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| Wednesday 10th March 2010 |
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Message Board | |
| Name: |
Barry |
| Date: |
25 August 2009 |
| Email: |
barry@in2.ie |
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 A group of friends an I do a bit of cross country cycling at the weekends. We attempted to ride from Divis mountain, across the mountain tope to finish on Cave Hill. There does not appear to be a defined path or trail, however we did eventually make our way across the tops of the mountain, via a disused quarry. Are you aware of a designated path, and if not, is there any plans to create such a route? BHP response: Hi Barry I’m glad to hear you were cycling in the hills lately. With specific reference to you trying to cycle from Divis to Cave Hill, there is no designated or defined path between these two sites for either walkers or cyclists. The Ulster Way ran between these up until the early 2000s when a number of farmers & landowners withdrew their permission for such access. We have an aspiration to reinstate a long distance route along the summits of the hills and are working with farmers and virtually all other interest groups to achieve this and other key objectives such as enhancing the hills’ biodiversity, heritage and open space. As our name suggests, we work to do this on a partnership basis and therefore seek open and common agreement with the landowners on the best way to reinstate such access permanently. There are developments but I wouldn’t pretend that this will happen quickly, so all I can say is watch this space.Kind regards |
| Name: |
Robert Nesbitt |
| Date: |
27 July 2009 |
|
| Thank you for one fine day when I paid a visit to the Cavehill on the 25th July. I thought I would go up as I had joined the Belfast Hills Friends as a life member and wanted to find out if there were any more members there. I started out from Belfast Castle on the walking tour and found it very interesting and then on to the hill but did not go to the top as it was very warm but stayed on the Lower Level and then there was the Cave. It was a sight to see all the people young and old going in. It looked Like a pilgrimage - someone looking for a Miracle. They where not dissapointed - the view was very good I took a couple of photos of either end of Belfast and the Lough. I hope it will be a yearly event |
| Name: |
Sam |
| Date: |
27 July 2009 |
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| Was just wondering what route I could take to get the best view of the city? Response from Andrea at BHP: Divis and Black Mountain Sam is by far the finest view you can get. Go to our 'where to walk section' and click on Divis. There are directions there. Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner but we had a slight technical glitch in the system so I'm only getting your message now. Kind regards |
| Name: |
Mark Reid |
| Date: |
4 July 2009 |
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| I walk my dog in the hills at least twice a week and am concerned about the amount of what appears to be site traffic and lorries coming to and from that communications base on Divis. I was walking on Thursday with my sons and these lorries appear to have little regard for the pedestrians on the mast road. Several times we had to move into the ditches as they drove through with little concern. Why is there all of a sudden a hive of activity in a relatively peaceful area and can something be done about it. Many thanks Mark. BHP response: Dear Mark. The hive of activity was connected with the dismantling of much of the origional MOD base on the top of Divis Mountain. Now that this work has been completed you should find that the site returns to its normal peace with the extra bonus of being able to walk to the very summit of the mountain. Kind regards |
| Name: |
sam waite |
| Date: |
25 June 2009 |
|
| Did you know a planning application has been made for a thermal processing plant at 51 ballyutoag road belfast.I live half mile away - there goes my fresh country air. BHP response: Dear Sam. Thanks for your comment. We are aware of the proposed Energy from Waste Plan on the Ballyutoag Road, Antrim. In fact we purchased the Environmental Statement that was produced to accompany the Planning Application in order to study the proposal in greater detail. Due to the summer break our Board have not met together to formulate a full response to this proposal. We have however sent an initial Officer Only letter to Planning Service outlining some of our concerns and asking for clarification regarding numerous issues. If you would like to see the Environmental Statement for yourself please feel free to call into our offices. Kind regards |
| Name: |
Robert Nesbitt |
| Date: |
30 April 2009 |
| Email: |
skyking229@hotmail.com |
|
| The suggestion about building a new mast. Which one is going to be taken down as the highest one is a good landmark from Lisburn and I will miss it if it has to come down. Also if you come into Belfast on a clear night you see a red stream of lights - it will be well and truly missed. |
| Name: |
Dr Jim Bradley |
| Date: |
14 January 2009 |
| Email: |
jim.bradley@belfasthills.org |
|
| Mr Shaw, thank you for your interest. Our information is it’s actually the owners of the mast (National Grid and Wireless) who are proposing to erect a second mast roughly 40 metres higher adjacent to the existing one. This is to do with the digital switchover and as such the existing mast will be taken down in 2012. The mast transmits or relays a wide range of signals, TV, mobile phone etc now, not just BBC. Belfast Hills Partnership responded quickly to the planning application outlining our concerns to Planning Service about visual impact on the landscape and impact on the sensitive habitats on Black Mountain, both permanently and during construction. Our recent study of Irish hares had shown that Black Mountain was particularly important for this threatened species. To their credit National Grid and Wireless met with us and our partners (and of course site managers) the National Trust. They did explain how they were planning to minimise impact and mitigate any disturbance which went some way in allaying our worst concerns. Our understanding is that the matter is now up to Planning Service. Regards Dr Jim Bradley. |
| Name: |
John Shaw |
| Date: |
13 January 2009 |
|
| I've heard they (BBC) are is going to build a new bigger tv mast on Divis. Is this true? The current one gives the area character but surely we don't need a bigger one. You do great work and love walking up there. |
| Name: |
Nicola |
| Date: |
17 October 2008 |
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| I spotted loads of Himalayan Balsam growing along the river banks at Shaws Bridge on Sunday. It thought it was lovely - until I read your article today! BHP response: Hi Nicola, Thanks for your e-mail. Yes the Himalayan Balsam does look very pretty when it is in flower – but unfortunately it can have devastating effects on the local habitats and wildlife, particularly by rivers due to the bank instability it causes and consequent effects on the fish etc living in the river. It’s good to hear however that we are helping to educate people on its effects. Kind regards. |
| Name: |
M Bleakley |
| Date: |
5 August 2008 |
|
Not satisified with treading the slopes of Fortwilliam Golf Course, some feisty lady members decided to attempt an ascent of the Cavehill.
The assault was planned for 2 July and by good luck the day dawned dry and clear.
Complete with knapsacks, rain wear, walking boots/golf shoes,personal alarms, mobile phones,water and picnic the intrepid party set off.
Sadly the enthusiasm of some was shortlived. Despite years of practice on the fairways of Fortwilliam, they were ill prepared for the steepness of the climb.
The final ascent on an un-surfaced path was the most difficult. Some managed it on hands and knees, reminiscent of Croagh Patrick, but the effort was worth it.
The views over the golf course, the city, Belfast Lough and beyond were truly stunning.
A second assault is planned for early August, this time to the summit.
Lunch with Napoleon!!
Secretly,the fainthearted are intending to arrive by helicopter!!
Watch this space.
M Bleakley |
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